Sheikh Hasina condemns trial of patriotic army officers in illegal ICT-BD

Five-time Prime Minister, Awami League President and daughter of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina, has termed the trial of the army officers at the Jamaat-controlled International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) a “strange and unimaginable event.”

The very tribunal that once tried the war criminals responsible for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War is now being used to prosecute the patriotic members of the armed forces — the vigilant sentinels of the nation’s independence and sovereignty, she said in a statement on Thursday.

“This is a despicable act. I strongly condemn and protest it. The illegal tribunal and all its farcical trials must be stopped. All political prisoners must be released unconditionally.”

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She added: “Last year, during the July–August student movement, under the guise of a so-called movement and through a meticulously designed conspiracy, students, civilians, police officers, Awami League leaders and activists, members of minority communities, journalists, lawyers, and cultural activists were brutally killed — and the killers, who are extremists and terrorists, were granted impunity. In other words, no legal action can now be taken against murderers and destroyers of state property, and the victims will never be able to seek justice.

“In contrast, cases have been filed against members of the armed forces and police who were on duty to protect lives and property during the horrific arson attacks, widespread destruction, and killings. They have been arrested on false charges of abduction and murder. Meanwhile, the identified terrorists and extremists who killed people and destroyed state property in broad daylight have been granted full immunity.

“This is a clear demonstration of the extreme bias of the illegal, murderous, fascist Yunus clique in favour of terrorism and extremism. It sets a vile precedent of state-sponsored terrorism and extremism. Under the illegitimate, power-grabbing, and human rights–violating rule of the murderer and fascist Yunus, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh — only the law of the jungle. The entire country has turned into a sanctuary for terrorists and extremists.

“This monstrous rise must be stopped now. The patriotic people must unite and fight to rebuild Bangladesh as a humane nation. Our land will once again be one of peace — our state, one of humanity and welfare. That is our solemn pledge.”